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March 25, 2025
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4 min read
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A multiyear expansion project at one of the world’s busiest airports is now complete with the opening of two new concourses at Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha.
The addition of concourses D and E has increased the airport’s annual passenger capacity to more than 65 million. DOH is the home base of Qatar Airways, a member of the Oneworld alliance, so the extra space was much needed.
“While many global airport expansions have faced delays, we are proud to have delivered this major development ahead of schedule,” Qatar Airways’ CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said in a statement. “This achievement reflects our commitment to operational excellence and strategic planning.”
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HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Concourses D and E have been seamlessly integrated into the airport’s existing terminal that is now sized at over 9 million square feet — a 14% increase. The airport now has 62 aircraft contact gates across five concourses, with 17 additional gates in the new concourses: nine gates in Concourse D and eight gates in Concourse E. These new gates will significantly reduce the need for bus transfers from the terminal to gates not connected by jet bridges.
The expansion project began in 2018, with part of the project — a nearly 65,000-square-foot indoor tropical garden called The Orchard — unveiled in 2022. The airport’s central concourse was also expanded to improve passenger flow and operational efficiency as part of the overhaul.
Here are the details on what you can expect to see in concourses D and E the next time you travel through Doha.
Self-boarding systems
The boarding process at DOH has been streamlined thanks to the implementation of self-boarding systems that feature smart technology. This tech allows for faster verification of travel documents, shorter passenger wait times and an easier transition from the terminal to the aircraft.
New shops and restaurants
The airport’s retail space has been increased by 29,000 square feet with the addition of more than 10 new retail outlets and dining options.
A focus on sustainability and accessibility
Sustainable aviation was a key goal in the development of the D and E concourses. They have been designed to meet Global Sustainability Assessment System Design & Build certification with a four-star rating and are aiming for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification. Sustainable features include energy-efficient systems, innovative water management solutions and optimized thermal comfort strategies.
The concourses were also designed with accessibility in mind to ensure all travelers have a seamless experience. Accessibility features include spacious seating areas, barrier-free pathways, dedicated assistance services and hearing loop technology, which transmits sound from the public address system to people with hearing devices.
Bottom line
Two new concourses have opened at Doha’s Hamad International Airport, completing a multiyear expansion project ahead of schedule. These new concourses have increased the number of passenger gates and feature new technology that optimizes flight operations, so the airport can now accommodate more international carriers and offer more direct routes across the globe.
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Featured image by HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
